Though I am still not feeling the greatest, I am nevertheless well enough to return today. I really don't like being out since it can be disruptive to the students' routine.

Today is the final day of the first quarter. It is hard to believe that we are already ¼ or 25% into the year. Tomorrow is a teacher workday so at least the students will get a three-day weekend. I will certainly be here to catch up (or try to) on things and be ready for Monday!

The weekly parent email was sent out and the others are archived here.

One thing that I do need and though it was mentioned both at parent-teacher conferences as well as in the email, is the need for gift cards from either Target or Walmart since I use a lot of raw material (sugar, corn syrup, nails, etc.) for the hands-on activities. If you can give any amount that will help offset what I spend on things, I greatly appreciate it!

What we did today was simulate the buildup of sedimentary rock to show that the lowest layers are the oldest. We did this by parachute cord and colored beads since I was concerned about the mess and disposal of my original plan of sand, small gravel, and potting soil. The slideshow below shows what we did.

I also showed a brief video on how diamonds are formed since they are igneous.

In social studies we did the first chapter, which is more of an introduction to geography and geographical terminology (land forms, latitude, longitude, continents, etc.). The students were not able to finish it but we will resume this on Monday.

​Also, next week we are going to do an activity in which we will get wax shavings from crayons to simulate the rock cycle. I need as many students as possible to bring in inexpensive crayons and pencil sharpeners. Both of which can be purchased at the Dollar Tree so you need not buy name brand.

Lastly, I am finishing up with the last three parent-teacher conferences. I would like to thank all of you for signing up and for coming. I really do enjoy actually getting to sit down and talk with parents however short the time is. So, if there is ever a need for a future conference, please email me and I will do my best to find a time that works for both of us.